Seven young men complete dynamic classroom renovation project funded by Ministry of National Security
International News via Reuters:
Seven young Bermudian males, aged 13 to 19, have returned from Georgetown, Guyana, after taking part in Project Guyana: Built for Change. The overseas service initiative was fully funded by the Ministry of National Security through its Violence Reduction Team (VRT), which gave the young men the opportunity to serve others, experience a different culture, build strong relationships and recognise their own capacity to make a positive difference.
The initiative forms part of the VRT’s work to create structured opportunities for young men from across Bermuda, and from different backgrounds, to spend time together, work towards shared goals and develop a spirit of service. Placed in an unfamiliar environment where they had to cooperate, solve problems and rely on one another, the participants were challenged to grow in ways that extend well beyond the work itself.
Project Guyana builds on earlier VRT overseas initiatives, including a similar service-based experience in Malawi, where another group of young Bermudian men worked on community projects designed to strengthen teamwork, personal development and positive relationships.
The most recent cohort travelled to Guyana from August 12–22, 2026, accompanied by Mr Darren Woods and Cadre Smith of the VRT, alongside Mr Donte Brangman of Clean Slate. Mr Brangman served as the project contractor, overseeing the renovation work, providing hands-on guidance and direction to the young men, and offering additional mentorship throughout the project.
The seven young men participating in the project were Keith Richardson, D’amori Riley-Noble, Daeshaun Landy, Khyari Tacklyn-Smith, Jakeeba Trott, Diondae Riley-Noble and Filiakai Camara.
At the heart of the trip was the renovation of classrooms at St. John Bosco Orphanage in Georgetown. The team scraped and cleaned classrooms, completed extensive painting, restored bookshelves and cabinets, reorganised classroom spaces and improved outdoor entrance areas. The project also provided new desks and chairs, updated whiteboards, classroom equipment, school supplies and games for the children and staff.
The renovation was supported by Mrs Rhonda Edwards-Adams, a Guyanese teacher at CedarBridge Academy, and her husband, who were in Guyana for the summer. The couple generously gave their time, helped the team acquire resources and materials for the project, and extended their hospitality to the group throughout their stay.
Throughout the trip, the young men also took part in social-emotional development activities, one-to-one conversations and group reflection sessions. The theme “Built for Change” took on real meaning: while they transformed classrooms, the wider purpose was to show that change is equally possible in their own lives.
On 10 September, a reflection ceremony was held at Treehouse Bermuda in Hamilton to recognise the young men’s experience and growth, bringing together family, friends and mentors.
Speaking to the young men at the ceremony, Minister of National Security, Sen. The Hon. Ryan Robinson Perinchief, JP, stated:
“There is a saying that a mind stretched by a new idea never returns to its original dimensions. That is what Project Guyana has given you. You have seen another part of the world, carried real responsibility and done service for others in another environment that has caused you to reflect on your own lives and your place in Bermuda and in this world. No one can ever take that perspective away from you. It is not about where you are, but where you are going. Every day, you have the power to choose your direction.”
The Minister reflected on the reflections shared from some of the participants at the ceremony and reminded participants that they should never believe they are making that journey alone.
“The Ministry funded this trip because we believe in you. As you return back to Bermuda and navigate future challenges, remember that even when you feel you are alone, that there are people here with you – an entire community of families, mentors, the team here at the Ministry and this Government – that stand behind you and want to see you succeed.”
Bishop Leroy Bean, Coordinator of the VRT, stated: “We have a tendency to focus on what our young people are doing wrong instead of celebrating what they are doing right. It is time to change that narrative and break that cycle. We must work together, invest in our young people and celebrate their growth, their achievements and their potential.”
Mr Smith and Mr Darren Woods said: “We saw resilience, growth and brotherhood. These young men didn’t just build in Guyana; they also saw and showed us what they are capable of building within themselves.
The classrooms at St. John Bosco will remain a lasting reminder of what these young men accomplished together, but the hope is that the greatest impact of Project Guyana will be seen here in Bermuda by virtue of the relationships they have built, the confidence they carry forward and the men they continue to become.
